Self-Contained Sanitation System

ABSTRACT

A self-contained sanitation system for handwashing hands of a user in the absence of running water is provided. The self-contained sanitation system comprises a base having a top surface, a bottom surface substantially opposite the top surface, and a perimeter side between the top surface and the bottom surface. A soap holder is mounted to the perimeter side of the base. A jar for holding a predetermined amount of water is positionable on the top surface of the base. The jar has an open end and a closed end. A spigot is mounted in the jar for selectively dispensing the water from the jar. Water dispensed from the jar through the spigot upon the hands of the user allows a user to hand wash in the absence of running water.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. NO. 62/272.545 tiled Dec. 29, 2015, of common inventorship herewith entitled. “Miracle Water Jar,” which is incorporated herein by reference as though the same were set forth in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of personal hygiene, and more specifically to the field of portable wafer collection and washing devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Proper handwashing, by ourselves and others, is one of the most important hygiene that keeps us healthy and even alive as adults. Nearly two million patients nationwide get an infection in hospitals and about ninety thousands of these patients die as a result of their infection. Infections are also a complication of care in other settings including long term care facilities, clinics and dialysis centers. Failure to perform appropriate hand hygiene is considered a leading cause of healthcare associated infections and spread of multi resistant organisms and has been recognized as a substantial contributor to outbreaks.

For proper handwashing, individuals should wash their hands thoroughly by using the following technique. They wet their hands first with water, apply an appropriate amount of soap to their hands and rub hands together vigorously for at least fifteen seconds, covering all surfaces of their hands and fingers. They rinse their hands with fresh wafer and dry thoroughly with a disposable towel and then use the towel as a barrier when turning off the faucet. Effectively washing one's hands requires only approximately twenty seconds but in many locations around the world, indoor plumbing is entirely lacking or totally unreliable. These same locations also experience high rates of communicable illnesses. What's needed is a simple, and affordable applicable means to promote and facilitate handwashing.

The prior art has put forth several designs for of portable water collection and washing devices. Among these are:

U.S. Pat. No. 8,528,126 to Khaled Abdullah M. Al-Mahnna an apparatus for personal hygiene by a person who is confined to a room or bed. The apparatus includes a first clean water storage tank, a second used water storage tank and a basin between the two tanks and wherein the first tank is disposed above the basin and the used water tank is below the basin. The apparatus and device also includes four adjustable legs with casters thereon as well as a frame assembly including upper and lower frame portions. A pair of forwardly extending arms and privacy curtains provides a modicum of privacy. A fluid soap dispenser, soap dish and mirror as well as an electric blow dryer, retractable electric cord and electrical sockets are also provided.

US Patent 2009/0178727 to Steven A. Murphy describes a combination water conservation apparatus and container system placed to collect condensate from an air conditioner window unit or central unit. The container system optionally comprises one or two containers with the single container system recovering water and retaining a first selected reserve quantity while dispensing excess or overflow water to a watering bucket for use by transport to a selected area for watering. The watering bucket has a lid with a spout and water input and air input hole for filling by means of a funnel or for relieving vacuum during pouring. If a second container is utilized, it receives the overflow from the first container and dispenses its overflow to the watering bucket. A reserve quantity is retained in each of the containers, and the reserve is selected by placement of a spout at a height selected to retain the chosen reserve quantity of water.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,301,376 to Norbert G. Herbert describes a portable sink, arranged for ease of transport and storage, that includes a central housing having respective lower and upper housings positioned on opposed sides of the central housing. The upper housing includes a fluid reservoir structure arranged for orthogonal orientation relative to the central housing, with a faucet member permitting fluid flow therethrough upon pivoting of the faucet relative to a floor cavity within the upper housing floor. The lower housing includes an upper housing reservoir in communication with a sink within the central housing for storage and subsequent disposal of fluid within the lower housing.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,959,460 to Scott Patterson describes a portable wash basin. The device includes a sink for receiving fresh water therein for permitting a user thereof to wash. The sink defines an open top for reception therein of the fresh water so a user is permitted to wash therein. A container is disposed adjacent to the sink for containing the fresh water and a pump is operably connected to the container for pumping the fresh water from the container into the sink. A lid is secured to the sink such that when the lid is disposed in an open disposition thereof, access to the sink by the user thereof is permitted and when the lid is disposed in a closed disposition thereof, the lid covers the sink.

None of these prior art references describe the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a standalone system for handwashing in an absence of running water.

The present invention is a self-contained sanitation system for handwashing hands of a user in the absence of running water. The self-contained sanitation system comprises a base having a top surface, a bottom surface substantially opposite the top surface, and a perimeter side between the top surface and the bottom surface. A soap holder is mounted to the perimeter side of the base. A jar for holding a predetermined amount of water is positionable on the top surface of the base. The jar has an open end and a closed end. A spigot is mounted in the jar for selectively dispensing the wafer from the jar. Water dispensed from the jar through the spigot upon the hands of the user allows a user to hand wash in the absence of running water.

In addition, the present invention includes a method for handwashing hands of a user in the absence of running water. The method comprises providing a base having a top surface, a bottom surface substantially opposite the top surface, and a perimeter side between the top surface and the bottom surface, mounting a soap holder mounted to the perimeter side of the base, providing a jar for holding a predetermined amount of water, positioning the jar on the top surface of the base, mounting a spigot m the jar, selectively dispensing the water from the jar upon the hands of the user, and allowing a user to hand wash in the absence of running water.

The present invention further includes a self-contained sanitation system for handwashing hands of a user in the absence of running water. The self-contained sanitation system comprises a base having a top surface, a bottom surface substantially opposite the top surface, and a perimeter side between the top surface and the bottom surface. An indentation is formed in the top surface of the base. A soap holder is mounted to the perimeter side of the base. A jar is provided for holding a predetermined amount of water with the jar having an open end and a closed end. The closed end of the jar is positionable within the indentation in the top surface of the base. A spigot is mounted in the jar for selectively dispensing the water from the jar. A stand elevates the base above the resting surface with the bottom surface of the base resting upon the stand. Water dispensed from the jar through the spigot upon the hands of the user allows a user to hand wash in the absence of running water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention illustrating a self-contained sanitation system, constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing a water jar, faucet, and soap holder.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the self-contained sanitation system, constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing the water jar residing atop a low stand that can be placed on a table or countertop.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, hereinafter referred to as a Self-Contained Sanitation System, indicated generally at 10, is a standalone system for handwashing in the absence of running water. Engineered for use in regions of the globe where indoor plumbing is nonexistent or unreliable, the Self-Contained Sanitation System 10 improves personal hygiene and reduces transmission of illness. In areas with adequate to excellent plumbing and water, the Self-Contained Sanitation System 10 is highly effective to have on hand in the event of a power outage or natural disaster. The Self-Contained Sanitation System 10 also is a great accessory for outdoor recreation such as camping and boating.

The Self-Contained Sanitation System 10 of the present invention includes a base 12 having a top surface 14, a bottom surface 16 substantially opposite the top surface 14, and a perimeter side 18 between the top surface 14 and the bottom surface 16. The top surface 14 of the base 12 preferably has an indentation 20 or recess for receiving a portion of a water jar 22 and the bottom surface 16 of the base 12 is preferably substantially planar for resting flat against a surface.

In addition, the Self-Contained Sanitation System 10 of the present invention has a soap holder 24 mounted to the perimeter side 18 of the base 12. In a preferred embodiment, the soap holder 24 is a formfitting, molded recess suitable and sized and shaped for a bar of soap, a container of liquid hand soap, and a roil of paper towels.

In an embodiment, the Self-Contained Sanitation System 10 of the present invention includes a stand 26 for elevating the base 12 above the resting surface. The bottom surface 16 of the base 12 rests upon the stand 26 to elevate the base 12 above the resting surface. The stand 26 can be a low, strongly built stand 26 that is positional on a table or countertop or an accessory, taller stand 26 produced for free standing use on a floor or ground surface. The base 12 and/or the stand 26 can be manufactured of heavy gauge molded thermoplastic material or other durable material as desired by the manufacturer and user.

The jar 22 of the Self-Contained Sanitation System 10 of the present invention is a container or reservoir having an open end and a closed end. The jar 22 is preferably equipped with a threaded or snap fit watertight lid or cover. In constructing the Self-Contained Sanitation System 10, the closed end of the jar 12 is positioned on the top surface 14 of the base 12. In the embodiment having the indentation 20 in the top surface 14 of the base 12, the closed end of the jar 22 rests in the indentation to releasably maintain the jar 22 on the top surface 14 of the base 12.

In a preferred embodiment, the jar 22 of the Self-Contained Sanitation System 10 of the present invention has a holding capacity up to five gallons of water although have a jar 22 that holds more than five gallons of water is within the scope of the present invention. Also, preferably, the jar 22 is constructed of a plastic material for lightweight travel and storage and has a shape selected from the group consisting of plastic, cylindrical, ovoid, or rectangular.

The jar 22 of the Self-Contained Sanitation System 10 of the present invention has a downward oriented, gasket sealed, hand turned spigot 28 or spout to release and shut off water flow from the jar 22. The spigot 28 is preferably positioned nearingly adjacent the closed end of the jar 22 and the base 12 allowing the user to access as much of the water within the jar 22 as possible without having to tip or otherwise manipulate the jar 22.

Using the Self-Contained Sanitation System 10 of the present invention is simple and straightforward. The Self-Contained Sanitation System 10 functions in conjunction with toilet or latrine facilities and is placed adjacent to these areas. A user completes their bodily functions, then opens the spigot 28 on the jar 22 of the Self-Contained Sanitation System 10. They wash their hands with the soap, rinse, and close the spigot 28. If potable, safe drinking water is unavailable, users disinfect the washing water before use either through boiling the water or by adding approximately eight drops of unscented liquid household bleach per gallon of water. Both aforementioned methods kill illness causing microbes.

Handwashing is a frontline defense against disease transmission. Failure to perform appropriate hand hygiene is considered a leading cause of infections, spread of resistant organisms and has been recognized as a substantial contributor to outbreaks. To put the matter most simply, the Self-Contained Sanitation System 10 makes the practice of hygienic handwashing available in those regions of the world where it is most needed and least available. Durably constructed of high quality materials, the Self-Contained Sanitation System 10 will withstand many years of continued use.

Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fail within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. 

1. A self-contained sanitation system for handwashing hands of a user in the absence of running water, the self-contained sanitation system comprising: a base having a top surface, a bottom surface substantially opposite the top surface, and a perimeter side between the top surface and the bottom surface; a soap holder mounted to the perimeter side of the base; a jar for holding a predetermined amount of water, the jar positionable on the top surface of the base, the jar having an open end and a closed end; and a spigot mounted in the jar for selectively dispensing the wafer from the jar; wherein water dispensed from the jar through the spigot upon the hands of the user allows a user to hand wash in the absence of running water.
 2. The self-contained sanitation system of claim 1 wherein the top surface of the base has an indentation for receiving a portion of the water jar.
 3. The self-contained sanitation system of claim 1 wherein the bottom surface of the base is substantially planar.
 4. The self-contained sanitation system of claim 1 wherein the soap holder is a formfitting, molded recess suitable and sized and shaped for a bar of soap, a container of liquid hand soap, and a roil of paper towels.
 5. The self-contained sanitation system of claim 1 and further comprising: a stand for elevating the base above a resting surface, the bottom surface of the base resting upon the stand.
 6. The self-contained sanitation system of claim 1 wherein the base is constructed of heavy gauge molded thermoplastic material.
 7. The self-contained sanitation system of claim 1 and further comprising: a threaded lid securable to the open end of the jar.
 8. The self-contained sanitation system of claim 1 and further comprising: a snap fit watertight lid securable to the open end of the jar.
 9. The self-contained sanitation system of claim 1 wherein the jar is constructed of a plastic material.
 10. The self-contained sanitation system of claim 1 wherein the spigot is a downward oriented, gasket sealed, and hand turned spigot to release and shut off water flow.
 11. The self-contained sanitation system of claim 1 wherein the spigot is positioned nearingly adjacent the closed end of the jar.
 12. A method for handwashing hands of a user in the absence of running water, the method comprising: providing a base having a top surface, a bottom surface substantially opposite the top surface, and a perimeter side between the top surface and the bottom surface; mounting a soap holder mounted to the perimeter side of the base; providing a jar for holding a predetermined amount of water; positioning the jar on the top surface of the base; mounting a spigot in the jar; selectively dispensing the water from the jar upon the hands of the user; and allowing a user to hand wash in the absence of running water.
 13. A self-contained sanitation system for handwashing hands of a user in the absence of running water, the self-contained sanitation system comprising: a base having a top surface, a bottom surface substantially opposite the top surface, and a perimeter side between the top surface and the bottom surface; an indentation formed on the top surface of the base; a soap holder mounted to the perimeter side of the base; a jar for holding a predetermined amount of water, the jar having an open end and a closed end, the closed end of the jar positionable within the indentation in the top surface of the base; a spigot mounted in the jar for selectively dispensing the water from the jar; and a stand for elevating the base above the resting surface, the bottom surface of the base resting upon the stand; wherein water dispensed from the jar through the spigot upon the hands of the user allows a user to hand wash in the absence of running water.
 14. The self-contained sanitation system of claim 13 wherein the bottom surface of the base is substantially planar.
 15. The self-contained sanitation system of claim 13 wherein the soap holder is a formfitting, molded recess suitable and sized and shaped for a bar of soap, a container of liquid hand soap, and a roll of paper towels.
 16. The self-contained sanitation system of claim 13 wherein the base is constructed of heavy gauge molded thermoplastic material.
 17. The self-contained sanitation system of claim 13 and further comprising: a threaded lid securable to the open end of the jar.
 18. The self-contained sanitation system of claim 13 and further comprising: a snap fit watertight lid securable to the open end of the jar.
 19. The self-contained sanitation system of claim 13 wherein the spigot is a downward oriented, gasket sealed, and hand turned spigot to release and shut off water flow.
 20. The self-contained sanitation system of claim 13 wherein the spigot is positioned nearingly adjacent the closed end of the jar. 